Oil filter

ABSTRACT

An oil filter assembly is disclosed for a machine, such as an internal combustion engine, that has an oil output port and an oil input port. A mounting plate may be fixed with an outer enclosure and may be adapted for securing to the machine. The mounting plate may be further adapted to conduct oil from the machine into a peripheral portion of the outer enclosure, and then returning oil from a central portion of the outer enclosure back to the machine. Oil may pass from the peripheral portion to the central portion through a primary filter having a first porosity. A pressure-actuated valve may be fixed fluidly between the peripheral portion and central portion of the outer enclosure. Oil may pass through the pressure-actuated valve only when an oil pressure differential between the peripheral portion and the central portion of the outer enclosure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. A secondary filter may have a second porosity greater than the first porosity, and may be fixed fluidly between the pressure-actuated valve and the central portion of the outer enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/385,099, filed Sep. 21, 2010, which application is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to filters, and more particularly to an improvedengine oil filter assembly that may also translate into a fuel filter,transmission filter, H₂O filter, hydraulic fluid filter, medical,dental, gas, or deep fry oil filter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional oil filters for vehicle engines, such as automotiveinternal combustion engines, typically include a filter media and abypass valve that is actuated when the filter media becomes dirty andsubstantially plugged. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,391 to Faria onNov. 19, 1991, which is hereby incorporated by reference, teaches such adevice. One drawback with such devices is that once the bypass valve isopened, particulate debris that would normally be captured by the filtermedia is able to traverse the valve and re-enter the engine, leading toengine wear and eventual damage. However, forcing oil through a filtermedia has the drawback that once the filter media becomes plugged withparticulate matter, not enough oil can get through the filter toeffectively cool and lubricate the engine, leading to much sooner enginedamage than if even dirty oil were allowed to circulate. Anotherdrawback of such devices is that particulate matter, once captured on aleading side of the filter media, can be dislodged from the filter toreturn back to the engine once the bypass valve opens, since flow of theoil at that point changes from through the filter media to across thefilter media.

Other such filters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,872 to Jones etal. on Jan. 27, 1998; U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,762 to Stone et al. on May 20,2000; U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,914 to Smith on Apr. 1, 2003; and U.S. Pat.No. 7,413,089 to Tidwell on Aug. 19, 2008, which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety. These devices suffer many of the samedrawbacks as the Faria device.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that overcomes the drawbacksassociated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an oil filter assembly for a machine, such as aninternal combustion engine, or any other device that has an oil outputport and an oil input port. A mounting plate may be fixed with an outerenclosure, such as with a first set of cooperative threads, and may beadapted for securing to the machine, such as with a second set ofcooperative threads. The mounting plate may be further adapted toconduct oil from the oil output port of the machine into a peripheralportion of the outer enclosure, and then returning oil from a centralportion of the outer enclosure into the oil input port of the machine.

A primary filter has a first porosity. Oil may pass through the primaryfilter to move from a first portion (e.g., peripheral portion) to asecond portion (e.g., central portion) of the outer enclosure. Apressure-actuated valve is fixed fluidly between the peripheral portionand central portion of the outer enclosure. Oil may pass through thepressure-actuated valve only when an oil pressure differential betweenthe peripheral portion and the central portion of the outer enclosureexceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, such as when the primaryfilter 50 becomes dirty. A secondary filter may have a second porositygreater than the first porosity, and may be fixed fluidly between thepressure-actuated valve and the central portion of the outer enclosure.

As such, as oil traverses the oil filter assembly from the oil outputport of the machine to the oil input port of the machine, the oil passesthrough either the primary filter or, if the predetermined pressurethreshold P_(t) has been reached, either the primary filter or thesecondary filter. When the primary filter becomes dirty, such as after apredetermined number of machine operating hours, for example, the oilfilter assembly may be disassembled and each component washed,preferably in a standard dishwasher or the like by means of simple hotwater and dish soap. By alternative means a parts washer may also beused.

The invention includes a filter device that opens the bypasspressure-actuated valve once the primary filter becomes plugged or thefluids viscosity becomes less significant by means of temperatures orchoice and additionally the pressure difference (PSID) would increase byother forces, but additionally continues to filter the oil through thesecondary more porous filter. The present device is easily installed,serviced and cleaned. Place fingers in cooling groves carefully andunscrew the cooling cover and set down then unscrew the media from themounting plate and inspect for debris on the main filter. Next removethe secondary filter located on the bottom of the main filter using thesupplied Lifetime Oil Filter® Wrench, or any other wrench or similartool. Carefully unscrew and remove. Using the same LOF wrench or othertool, unscrew the secondary filter until it comes apart make sure to notlose the sphere, springs, seals or secondary media. Drain any engine oilleft in the filters media back into cooling cover.

The filters media can be cleaned at home using hot tap water and plainold dish washing soap in conjunction with a non scratching sponge orbrush. In commercial applications a parts washing system will alsoachieve excellent results. Dry the filter media with a synthetic clothor a household hair dryer. Other apparatuses such as in a conventionalhousehold dishwasher will perform also. Reassemble the clean parts theopposite way they were taken apart. Once the secondary media isreinstalled properly carefully screw the main media section of thefilter onto the mounting plate until firm then ¼ turn more make sure thefiltered bypass unit is screwed into the main filter bottom. Carefullylift the cooling cover, place fingers into grooves. Slowly screw on thefilter to the mounting plate. This process is to restore theeffectiveness of the primary filter, and is made of durable materialsthat can last potentially longer than the vehicle or machine to which itis installed. The present invention further cools the oil as it passestherethrough. Other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following more detailed description, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by wayof example, the principles of the invention.

Preferably, the filter device could open a bypass valve once the primaryfilter becomes plugged, but would additionally filter the oil through asecondary more porous filter. Furthermore, the filter may be easilycleaned to restore the effectiveness of the primary filter, and would bemade of durable materials that would last potentially longer than themachine to which it is fixed. Such a device could further provide forcooling of the oil as it passes therethrough.

Other goals and advantages of the invention will be further appreciatedand understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and accompanying drawings. While the following descriptionmay contain specific details describing particular embodiments of theinvention, this should not be construed as limitations to the scope ofthe invention but rather as an exemplification of preferableembodiments. For each aspect of the invention, many variations arepossible as suggested herein that are known to those of ordinary skillin the art. A variety of changes and modifications can be made withinthe scope of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the invention, illustrating a flowof oil through a primary filter within an outer enclosure of theinvention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the invention of FIG. 1A, wherein apressure differential between peripheral and central portions of theenclosure exceeds a threshold pressure to open a pressure-actuated valveof the invention, illustrating a flow of oil through both the primaryfilter and a secondary filter;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a mounting plate of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate, taken generallyalong lines 3-3 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary filter assembly ofthe invention;

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded view of the primary filter of theinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a pressure diagram showing a pressure within the enclosureover time, as the primary and secondary filters become dirty andclogged.

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a tool that can be used to assemble and/ordisassemble an oil filter.

FIG. 10B shows a side view of a tool that can be used to assemble and/ordisassemble an oil filter.

FIG. 10C shows a bottom view of a tool that can be used to assembleand/or disassemble an oil filter.

FIG. 10D shows additional views of a tool that can be used to assembleand/or disassemble an oil filter.

FIG. 11 shows how a tool can be used to unscrew a primary filterassembly from a cover.

FIG. 12 shows how a tool can be used to separate a mounting plate from aprimary filter assembly.

FIG. 13 shows how a tool can be used to separate a secondary filtervalve seat from a secondary filter housing.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a valve sphere and a valve seat.

FIG. 15 shows that a spring and secondary filter can be removed from aprimary assembly.

FIG. 16 shows how a tool can be used to remove a secondary media filterhousing.

FIG. 17 shows an example of how filters can be washed.

FIG. 18 shows an example of how filters can be dried.

FIG. 19 shows how a secondary filter housing assembly can bereassembled.

FIG. 20 shows how a tool can be used to reassemble the secondary filterinto the primary filter assembly.

FIG. 21 shows how a valve seat can be reassembled with the secondaryassembly.

FIG. 22 shows how a tool can be used to reassemble a mounting plate witha primary filter assembly.

FIG. 23 shows how a tool can be used to reassemble a primary filterassembly with a cooling cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. Thefollowing explanation provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. Oneskilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practicedwithout such details. In other instances, well-known structures andfunctions have not been shown or described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or pluralnumber also include the plural or singular number respectively.Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, shall refer to this applicationas a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Whenthe claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or moreitems, that word covers all of the following interpretations of theword: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and anycombination of the items in the list. The words “oil” or “oils,” whenused the description and the claims, shall refer to any fluid, such asliquid, gel, or gas, to be filtered, and are not necessarily limited toengine or machine lubricating fluids.

The invention provides oil filter assemblies and associated systems andmethods, such as an internal combustion engine, or any other device thathas an oil output port and an oil input port. Various aspects of theinvention described herein may be applied to any of the particularapplications set forth below or for any other types of filters. Theinvention may be applied as a standalone system or method, or as part ofan integrated machine package, such as an engine. It shall be understoodthat different aspects of the invention can be appreciated individually,collectively, or in combination with each other.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an oil filter assembly 10 for a machine 20,such as an internal combustion engine, that has an oil output port 21and an oil input port 22. A mounting plate 30 (e.g., FIGS. 2-5) may befixed with an outer enclosure 40, such as with a first set ofcooperative threads 90, and is adapted for securing to the machine 20,such as with a second set of cooperative threads 100. In alternateembodiments, a mounting plate may be removably fastened to a machine orfilter assembly using any fastening mechanism, which may include thoselisted further below. In some embodiments, the mounting plate 30 isfurther adapted to conduct oil from the oil output port 21 of themachine 20 into a peripheral portion 48 of the outer enclosure 40 (FIG.1A), and then return oil from a central portion 45 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) ofthe outer enclosure 40 into the oil input port 22 of the machine 20.

In some embodiments, an oil output port may surround an oil input port.In alternate embodiments, the oil input port may surround the oil outputport or be adjacent to the oil output port. In some embodiments, the oiloutput port may be in fluid communication with a peripheral portion of afilter assembly outer enclosure and the oil input port may be in fluidcommunication with a central portion of the filter assembly outerenclosure. Alternatively, the oil output port may be in fluidcommunication with a central portion of a filter assembly outerenclosure and the oil input port may be in fluid communication with aperipheral portion of the filter assembly outer enclosure. For example,oil may enter through a central portion and pass through a filter and bereturned to a machine via the peripheral portion.

Oil may be received in a first region of the filter assembly from theoil output port, and may be provided from a second region of the filterassembly to the oil input port. The first and second region may be influid communication via one or more filter. For example, the first andsecond regions may be in fluid communication through one or more primaryfilter. In some embodiments, one or more secondary filter may beprovided. The first and second region may be in fluid communicationthrough the one or more secondary filter at limited times. For example,one or more valve may be provided that may have a closed positionwherein the first and second region are not in fluid communication viathe secondary filter, and an open position wherein the first and secondregion are in fluid communication via the secondary filter. The secondregion may be concentrically positioned within the first region, thefirst region may be concentrically positioned within the second region,or first and second regions may be adjacent to one another.

In some embodiments, the outer enclosure and a primary filter may have acylindrical configuration. The primary filter may be configured in aconcentric manner within the outer enclosure. In alternate embodiments,the outer enclosure and primary filter may have any other shape, such asa prism or tube with a circular, elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral,pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other shape cross section. Theprimary filter may be provided at a concentric location within the outerenclosure. Alternatively, it may be within any portion of the outerenclosure and may separate a first and second region of the oil filterassembly in any manner.

In one embodiment, the enclosure 40 includes a plurality of cooling fins150 (FIG. 6) protruding radially therefrom. Any other shaped surfacefeature may be provided that may assist with cooling the enclosure. Theshaped surface feature may increase the surface area of the outerenclosure. The shaped surface feature may include fins, which may bealigned radially, in a spiraling pattern, as circles, in a randommanner, or any other distribution, or any other protrusion, bumps,ridges, grooves, channels, or holes. The cooling fins and/or othershaped surface features may be integrally formed on the enclosuresurface. Alternatively, they may be provided as separate pieces. Thecooling fins and/or any other shaped surface features may or may not beremovable from the enclosure surface. In some embodiments, cooling mayoccur passively. In alternate embodiments, a fluid flow may be activelyprovided over the shaped surface features. The shaped surface featuresmay assist with cooling the enclosure and/or the oil contained within.

Further, the mounting plate 30 may include several Viton or similarseals 99 (FIGS. 3-5), as is known in the art. Such seals may enable themounting plate to form a fluid tight seal between the filter assemblyand the machine.

A primary filter 50 may have a first porosity P₁, preferably less than125 microns. In one embodiment, the first porosity P₁ is about 5microns. Alternatively, the first porosity may be less than, greaterthan, or be about 200 microns, 150 microns, 125 microns, 100 microns, 80microns, 60 microns, 50 microns, 40 microns, 30 microns, 20 microns, 10microns, 5 microns, or 1 micron. Oil may pass through the primary filter50 to move from the peripheral portion 48 to the central portion 45 ofthe outer enclosure 40. Oil may pass through the primary filter to movefrom a first region to a second region, where one or more region isperipheral and one or more region is central, or the regions areadjacent to one another.

In one embodiment, the primary filter 50 is sandwiched between twosemi-rigid protective grids 80 (FIG. 8) each made from a durable,dishwasher safe material such as, or the like a semi-rigid titaniummesh, a metallic stainless mesh, a hybrid ceramic material, Nitronic 60,glass, stainless steel or aluminum alloy, micro glass, synthetic orcarbon fibers on the order of 100 nanometers both with polymerizationand electrospinning Protective grids 80 help maintain the shape of theprimary and secondary filter while in use within the enclosure 40. Inalternate embodiments, the protective layers need not be grids, but mayhave any other shape that may lend structural support to the filterwhile allowing oil to pass through. The protective layers may have oneor more holes, openings, channels, or pathways that may allow oil topass through. One, two, three, four or more protective layers may beprovided.

A pressure-actuated valve 70 is fixed fluidly between the peripheralportion 48 and central portion 45 of the outer enclosure 40. Oil maypass through the pressure-actuated valve 70 only when an oil pressuredifferential between the peripheral portion 48 and the central portion45 of the outer enclosure 40 exceeds a predetermined threshold pressureP_(t), such as when the primary filter 50 becomes dirty or clogged withdebris or the viscosity is changed (FIG. 9). In some embodiments, P_(t)may be about 14 psid. In other embodiments, P_(t) may fall within about10 psid to 20 psid, e.g., 10 psid, 11 psid, 12 psid, 13 psid, 13.5 psid,13.8 psid, 14 psid, 14.2 psid, 14.5 psid, 15 psid, 16 psid, 17 psid, 18psid, 19 psid, or 20 psid.

FIG. 9 shows that pressure may vary over time. For example, pressure maygradually increase as the primary filter becomes more clogged. At somepoint a threshold pressure P_(t) may be met and may increase. In someembodiments, the pressure may increase at a lower rate over thethreshold pressure as oil may flow through a secondary filter. Thesecondary filter may have a greater porosity than the primary filter,which may cause the lower rate of pressure increase. The pressure may bea pressure differential between a first and second region of the oilfilter assembly. The pressure may be a pressure difference across afilter. Alternatively, the pressure may be a pressure value within aregion, such as the first or second region, of the oil filter assembly.

In one embodiment the pressure-actuated valve 70 is a ball valve thatincludes a ball 110 biased in a closed position 130 with a spring 120.The ball 110 may be urged into an open position 140 when the thresholdpressure P_(t) is exceeded. When the ball is urged into an openposition, fluid may be allowed to flow through a secondary filter. Whenthe ball is in a closed position, fluid is not allowed to flow throughthe secondary filter. Preferably the ball 110 and other components aredurable and easily cleaned, such as titanium, tungsten, titaniumNitronic 60, ceramics, glass, stainless steel or aluminum alloy, rubber,copper, platinum, magnesium, gold, or iron, in billet, bar, round, cast,extruded or machined formed. Preferably, the ball and other componentsmay be dishwasher safe.

Any additional type of bypass valve may be provided in alternateembodiments of the invention. The bypass valve may be anypressure-actuated valve. In some embodiments the bypass valve may haveone or more component that may react to a pressure difference between afirst and second region of the filter assembly. For example, when thepressure within a first region (e.g., a peripheral region) of the filterassembly, or when the pressure difference between the first and secondregions of the filter assembly reach a threshold pressure, the componentmay be actuated to a open position, which may allow fluid flow throughthe bypass valve. The valve may be able to return to a closed positionafter being actuated to an open position. In some embodiments, the valvemay return to a closed position when the pressure value or pressuredifferential falls below the threshold value. Alternatively, the valvemay remain in an open position once opened. The component may beactuated directly by the pressure. Alternatively the pressure maydetermined by a sensor and the component may be actuated in response tothe pressure reading.

Any other valve configuration known in the art may be used. In someembodiments, the valve may have a binary open and closed position.Alternatively, the valve may have a range of positions that may controlthe amount of flow. The valves may be adjusted based on pressure.Examples of valves that may be incorporated into the oil filter assemblymay include, but are not limited to, ball valves, butterfly valves,choke valves, check valves, diaphragm valves, ceramic disc valves, gatevalves, knife valves, needle valves, piston valves, pinch valves, plugvalves, spool valves, thermal expansion valves, or poppet valve.

A secondary filter 60 has a second porosity P₂, P₂ preferably beinggreater than P₁, and is fixed fluidly between the pressure-actuatedvalve 70 and the central portion 45 of the outer enclosure 40 (FIGS. 1Band 7). Preferably P₂ is greater than about 125 microns. In oneembodiment P₂ may be about 25 microns. In some instances, the secondporosity may be greater than, less than, or be about 10 microns, 15microns, 20 microns, 25 microns, 30 microns, 50 microns, 75 microns, 100microns, 125 microns, 150 microns, 200 microns, 250 microns, or 300microns. P₂ may be greater than P₁ by any amount. For example, P₂ may begreater than P₁ by more than, less than, or about 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%,50%, 75%, 100%, 200% or any other value. In alternate embodiments, P₂may be less than or equal to P₁.

In one embodiment, the primary filter 50 is substantially cylindricaland includes an end cap 160 (e.g., FIG. 8) that has a threaded aperture165 for mounting thereto a secondary filter assembly 170 (e.g., FIG. 7).The secondary filter assembly 170 may include a secondary filter housing180 that at least partially encloses the secondary filter 60 and fixesthe secondary filter 60 and the pressure-actuated valve 70 to the endcap 160 with a ball seat and seal plate 190. The secondary filterhousing and/or other components of the secondary filter assembly may beformed of a dishwasher safe material. The secondary filter housing mayhave one or more opening that may allow fluid to flow between a firstand second region, such as a periphery and central region. In someembodiments, the secondary filter housing may be a protective grid.

As such, in some embodiments, as oil traverses the oil filter assembly10 from the oil output port 21 of the machine 20 to the oil input port22 of the machine 20, the oil must pass through either the primaryfilter 50 or, if the predetermined pressure threshold P_(t) has beenreached, the primary filter 50 and/or the secondary filter 60. With thecooling fins 150 of the enclosure 40, the oil is cooled as it passesthrough the peripheral portion 48 of the enclosure 40.

When the primary filter 50 becomes dirty, such as after a predeterminednumber of machine operating hours, for example, the oil filter assembly10 may be disassembled and each component washed, preferably in astandard dishwasher or the like by means of simple hot water and dishsoap. By alternative means a parts washer may also be used. As such, theprimary and secondary filters 50, 60 are preferably made from a materialthat is dishwasher safe, corrosion resistant, and durable, such as atitanium mesh, a metallic stainless mesh, a hybrid ceramic material,Nitronic 60, glass, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, micro glass,copper, platinum, magnesium, gold, or iron, synthetic or carbon fiberson the order of 100 nanometers with polymerization and electrospinning

In some embodiments, the oil filter assembly may be washed after apredetermined amount of time or number of cycles. In other embodiments,the oil filter assembly may be washed after a predetermined pressurewithin the first region or pressure difference between the first regionand the second region. The predetermined pressure may indicate that thesecondary filter is clogging up.

Preferably, the oil filter assembly and/or components of the oil filterassembly may be disassembled from the machine. For example, oil filterassembly may be detached from a mounting plate. Optionally, a mountingplate may be detached from the machine. Filters may or may not beremoved from protective grids, and secondary filter assemblies may beremoved from primary filter assemblies. Valve components may also bedisassembled.

In one example, a user's fingers may be placed in cooling groves, andthe user may carefully and unscrew the cooling cover and set it down.The user may then unscrew the media from the mounting plate and inspectfor debris on the main filter. Next, the user may remove the secondaryfilter located on the bottom of the main filter using a suppliedLifetime Oil Filter® Wrench, or any other wrench or similar tool. Theuser may carefully unscrew and remove. Using the same supplied wrench orother tool, the user may unscrew the secondary filter until it comesapart make sure to not lose the sphere, springs, seals or secondarymedia. The user may drain any engine oil left in the filters media backinto the cooling cover.

In some embodiments, all of the components may be washed by a washingapparatus, such as a dishwasher. In some embodiments, one or morecomponent may be swapped or replaced. After washing, the components maybe reassembled into an oil filter assembly and attached to the mountingplate and/or machine.

In one example, the filters media can be cleaned at home using hot tapwater and dish washing soap in conjunction with a non scratching spongeor brush. In commercial applications a parts washing system may alsoachieve excellent results. After washing, the filter media may be dried.In some examples, the filter media may be dried with a synthetic clothor a household hair dryer. Other apparatuses such as in a conventionalhousehold dishwasher may also perform.

The clean parts may be reassembled the opposite way/order they weretaken apart. Once the secondary media is reinstalled properly, the mainmedia section of the filter may be screwed or reattached in any othermanner onto the mounting plate until firm. Then a quarter turn more maybe applied to make sure the filtered bypass unit is screwed into themain filter bottom. The cooling cover may be lifted, and fingers may beplaced into grooves. The filter may be slowly screwed or otherwisereattached to the mounting plate. This process may restore theeffectiveness of the primary filter. The primary filter may be made ofdurable materials that can last potentially longer than the vehicle ormachine to which it is installed.

Any of these components may be detached and/or reattached in any mannerincluding, but not limited to, screwing, twisting, slide and locking,clamps, adhesives, snap-fits, or press-fits. Inner components may beremoved from an outer enclosure.

Components of the air filter assembly may be washed any number of times.Components may be designed to withstand one or more, five or more, tenor more, twenty or more, fifty or more, a hundred or more, or a thousandor more wash cycles. Some components or may or may not have a longerlife than other components.

A primary and secondary filter may be provided in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. In alternate embodiments, one or moreprimary filter and one or more secondary filter may be provided. In someembodiments, any number of filters may be layered on top of one another.Multiple filters may contact one another, gaps may be provided betweenfilters, or protective grids may be provided between filters.Furthermore, additional levels of filters may be provided. For exampleone or more tertiary filter may be provided with a third porosity. Insome embodiments, the third porosity may be greater than the firstporosity and/or the second porosity. The tertiary filter may be accessedwhen the secondary filter is clogged or dirty. One or more valve may beprovided that may allow fluid to flow through the tertiary filter whenthe pressure differential across the tertiary filter reaches apredetermined threshold.

While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, it will be apparent that various modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, a ball valve is illustrated as the pressure-actuated valve 70in the drawings, but a pin-valve or other equivalent pressure-actuatedvalve 70 may also be used including Globe, Gate and Butterfly.Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except asby the appended claims.

The oil filter assembly may have any use or application, which mayinclude an engine oil filter, a fuel filter, transmission filter, H₂Ofilter, hydraulic fluid filter, medical, dental, gas, or deep fry oilfilter. In some examples, the oil filter assembly may be used forinternal combustion engines, or other engines for any type of vehicle,automobile, aircraft, or space exploration.

FIG. 10A shows a top view of a tool that can be used to assemble and/ordisassemble an oil filter. The tool may be a wrench. In someembodiments, the tool may be a specialized wrench, such as a LOF wrench.The tool may be specially designed to interface with one or morecomponents of an oil filter. The tool may or may not be integrallyformed from a single piece. The tool may or may not have movablecomponents. Any measurements are provided by way of example only andwill not limit the design of the tool. In some embodiments, the tool mayor may not be proportional to the measurements provided.

FIG. 10B shows a side view of a tool that can be used to assemble and/ordisassemble an oil filter. The tool may have one or more section thatmay be useful for assembling and/or disassembling an oil filter. In someembodiments, a particular section may be used to assemble and/ordisassemble a particular portion of the oil filter. The particularsection of the tool may be fitted to the particular portion of the oilfilter.

For example, a tool may have a central portion 1000. The tool may haveone or more side portions 1010 a, 1010 b. In some embodiments, the toolmay have one or more rear portions 1020. In some embodiments, thecentral portion, side portions and rear portions may interface withdifferent sections of the oil filter. The various portions need not beadjustable. In some embodiments, the tool portions may be sized orshaped to grip or fit a particular portion of an oil filter. In someembodiments, portions of a wrench (such as a central portion, sideportion or rear portion) may be used to screw and/or unscrew portions ofthe oil filter. In some embodiments, the same tool may be used toassemble and/or disassemble the oil filter. Alternatively, multipletools may be used to assemble and/or disassemble the oil filter. FIG.10C shows a bottom view of a tool that can be used to assemble and/ordisassemble an oil filter.

FIG. 10D shows additional views of a tool that can be used to assembleand/or disassemble an oil filter. The tool may have one or more centralportion 1050, side portion 1060 a, 1060 b or rear portion 1070. In someembodiments, a side-rear portion 1080 may be provided. A side portionmay be contoured so that a user can comfortably grip the tool. In someembodiments, a user may grip one, two or more side portions to applytorque to a portion of the tool.

FIGS. 11-23 provide an example of how an oil filter may be disassembled,cleaned, and reassembled. One or more of the steps may be provided inother orders or may be optional. Additional or alternate steps may beprovided. Although some steps are illustrated using a tool, a tool maynot be required (e.g., hand tightening or loosening may be used), or adifferent tool from the one illustrated may be used. Any embodiments ofan oil filter described herein may be assembled and/or disassembled asillustrated.

FIG. 11 shows how a tool 1100 can be used to unscrew a primary filterassembly 1110 from a cover 1120. In some embodiments one or more set ofthreads may be provided on the primary filter assembly and/or cover thatmay enable them to screw into one another. Alternatively, other surfacefeatures may be provided that may enable the primary filter to engagewith the cover. The tool may have a central portion 1130 that mayinterface with the primary filter assembly. The central portion may lockwith a portion of the primary filter assembly, and the tool may beturned to unscrew or otherwise detach the primary filter assembly fromthe cooling cover. In some embodiments, a wrench may be used to unscrewa primary filter media assembly from a cooling cover by turning counterclockwise.

FIG. 12 shows how a tool 1200 can be used to separate a mounting plate1210 from a primary filter assembly 1220. In some embodiments one ormore set of threads may be provided on the primary filter assemblyand/or mounting plate that may enable them to screw into one another.Alternatively, other surface features may be provided that may enablethe primary filter to engage with the mounting plate. In someembodiments, a central portion 1230 of the tool may interface with themounting plate. A user may grip the primary filter media assembly by thebase and use the tool to unscrew the mounting plate from the primaryfilter media assembly. Preferably, the user grips the primary filterassembly by the base and not the shark cage, although in alternateembodiments, the user may grip any portion of the filter assembly.

FIG. 13 shows how a tool 1300 can be used to separate a secondary filtervalve seat 1310 from a secondary filter housing 1320. In someembodiments one or more set of threads may be provided on the secondaryfilter assembly and/or seat valve may enable them to screw into oneanother. Alternatively, other surface features may be provided that mayenable the secondary filter to engage with the seat valve. In someembodiments, a rear portion 1330 of the tool (such as a wrench) may beused to interface with the valve seat. For example, the rear portion ofthe tool may lock in with a central portion 1340 of the valve seat. Avalve sphere 1350 may be provided in the valve seat. The valve seat orassembly may be different based on the type of valve used.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a valve sphere 1400 and a valve seat 1410.The valve sphere may rest in the valve seat. In some embodiments, thevalve sphere may be sitting freely in the valve seat, so the valve seatmay be removed with caution to avoid losing the sphere. As previouslymentioned, other valve configurations may be used or provided, and mayhave different components or configurations.

FIG. 15 shows that a spring 1500 and secondary filter 1510 can beremoved from a primary assembly 1520. After the valve seat has beenremoved, the spring and secondary filter media may simply slip out ofthe primary filter media assembly.

FIG. 16 shows how a tool 1600 can be used to remove a secondary mediafilter housing 1620. The secondary media filter housing may be removedfrom a primary filter media 1610. In some embodiments one or more set ofthreads may be provided on the secondary filter housing and/or primarymedia filter may enable them to screw into one another. Alternatively,other surface features may be provided that may enable the secondaryfilter housing to engage with the primary media filter. In someembodiments, a side rear portion 1630 of the tool may be used tointerface with the secondary media filter. The secondary media filterhousing may be unscrewed from the primary media filter using a side rearportion of the wrench.

FIG. 17 shows an example of how filters can be washed. For example,filters media can be cleaned using hot tap water and dish washing soap.For example, water may be provided from a faucet or other directedsource of water. In commercial applications, a parts washing system mayalso achieve excellent results. In some embodiments, a dishwashingmachine may be used. A primary filter media 1700 may have contaminatesthat may accumulate on the outside of the filter media, so it may berinsed from inside out. For example, the flow of water may be directedfrom the inside of the filter outwards. A secondary filter media 1710may collect contaminates, so it may be rinsed from outside in. Forexample, the flow of water may be directed from the outside of thefilter inwards.

FIG. 18 shows an example of how filters can be dried. The filter mediamay be dried using a synthetic cloth or household hair dryer.Preferably, paper towels or cloth that would easily tear or could leavepaper or cloth residue in the oil filter, will not be used. In someembodiments, the filters may be air dried, blow dried, heated, wipeddry, or may be dried using any other techniques.

FIG. 19 shows how a secondary filter housing assembly can bereassembled. A spring 1900 may be fitted within a secondary media filter1910, which may be fitted within a secondary media filter housing 1920.The spring may slide into the secondary media filter, which may slideinto the secondary media filter housing. When reassembling the secondarymedia filter assembly, the user may make sure that the spring is seatedproperly on a spring post.

FIG. 20 shows how a tool 2000 can be used to reassemble the secondaryfilter 2010 into the primary filter assembly 2020. In some embodiments,a side-rear portion 2030 of the tool can be used to screw the secondaryfilter assembly into the primary filter assembly. The reassembledsecondary filter media assembly may be screwed back into the primaryfilter media assembly by turning clockwise, and may be tightened usingthe tool (e.g., LOF wrench).

FIG. 21 shows how a valve seat 2100 can be reassembled with thesecondary assembly 2110. A tool 2120 may be used to screw the valve seatinto the secondary media assembly. While reattaching the valve seat, auser may make sure that the valve sphere 2140 is seated in the valveseat. The valve seat may be tightened using a rear portion 2130 of thetool (e.g., turning clockwise).

FIG. 22 shows how a tool 2200 can be used to reassemble a mounting plate2210 with a primary filter assembly 2220. In some embodiments, a centralportion 2230 of the tool may be used to interface with the mountingplate, and screw the mounting plate onto the primary filter assembly.The mounting plate may be screwed back onto the primary filter assembly(turning clockwise). The primary mounting plate may be tightened using atool (e.g., LOF wrench).

If the mounting plate is still fastened to an engine or other machine,the primary filter may be grasped by the base and screwed to themounting plate. Preferably, a user will grasp the primary filter by thebase and not grip the filter by the shark cage. In alternateembodiments, the user may grasp the primary filter anywhere. In someembodiments, the primary filter may be screwed to the mounting plate byturning clockwise. The primary filter may be screwed to the mountingplate to be hand tight. In other embodiments, the tool may or may not beable to interface with the base of the primary filter to tighten it ontothe mounting plate. Then a user may continue by screwing a cooling coverover the primary filter media and only the mounting plate. There may beresistance as the mounting plate seal may contact the inside of thecooling cover. The user may continue to screw the cooling cover untilthe cooling cover top contacts the mounting plate. In some embodiments,the cooling cover may be hand tightened to the mounting plate. In otherembodiments, a tool may be used to tighten the cooling cover to themounting plate.

FIG. 23 shows how a tool 2300 can be used to reassemble a primary filterassembly 2310 with a cooling cover 2320. In some embodiments, a centralportion 2330 of the tool may be used to screw the primary filterassembly into the cooling cover. The primary filter media may be screwedback into the cooling cover. Then it may be tightened using the tool(e.g., wrench) by turning clockwise.

The teachings provided herein can be applied to other systems, notnecessarily the system described herein. The elements and acts of thevarious embodiments described above can be combined to provide furtherembodiments. All of the above patents and applications and otherreferences, including any that may be listed in accompanying filingpapers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the inventioncan be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, andconcepts of the various references described above to provide yetfurther embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description details certainembodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated,no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can bepracticed in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably inits implementation details, while still being encompassed by theinvention disclosed herein.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned inthis disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachingsof the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, notnecessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of thevarious embodiments described above can be combined to provide furtherembodiments.

All of the above patents and applications and other references,including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, areincorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and conceptsof the various references described above to provide yet furtherembodiments of the invention.

Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “DetailedDescription.” While the above description details certain embodiments ofthe invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter howdetailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced inmany ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably whilestill being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which thatterminology is associated.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not beconstrued to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosedin the specification, unless the above Detailed Description sectionexplicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of theinvention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventorreserves the right to add additional claims after filing the applicationto pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of theinvention. While preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled inthe art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only.Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should beunderstood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It isintended that the following claims define the scope of the invention andthat methods and structures within the scope of these claims and theirequivalents be covered thereby.

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. A filter assembly, comprising: (i) a mountingplate adapted to conduct fluid from an outlet port of an attachedmachine into the filter assembly via a tapered conduit, (ii) a primaryfilter and a secondary filter, wherein the secondary filter isconcentrically positioned within the primary filter; (iii) apressure-actuated valve situated in the filter assembly, wherein thepressure-actuated valve is movable into an open position in response toa pressure differential; and (iv) an inlet port configured to receivethe filtered fluid from the filter assembly and return the filteredfluid to the attached machine.
 20. The filter assembly of claim 19,wherein the primary and secondary filters are each made from titaniummesh, metallic stainless mesh, hybrid ceramic material, Nitronic 60,glass, stainless steel, micro glass, synthetic fibers, or carbon fibers,or a combination thereof.
 21. The filter assembly of claim 19, whereinthe primary filter has a first porosity and the secondary filter has asecondary porosity.
 22. The filter assembly of claim 19, wherein thefilter assembly comprises an outer enclosure comprising a peripheralportion and a central portion.
 23. The filter assembly of claim 22,wherein the mounting plate is secured to the outer enclosure of thefilter assembly.
 24. The filter assembly of claim 22, wherein theprimary filter is disposed within the outer enclosure such that a fluidin the peripheral portion passes across the primary filter into thecentral portion.
 25. The filter assembly of claim 22, wherein thesecondary filter is disposed within the primary filter and between thepressure-actuated valve and the central portion of the outer enclosure.26. The filter of claim 19, wherein the pressure-actuated valvecomprises a ball valve biased in a closed position with a spring. 27.The filter of claim 22, wherein the outer enclosure comprises aplurality of cooling fins protruding radially therefrom.
 28. The filterof claim 19, wherein the primary filter comprises an end cap with athreaded aperture for mounting a secondary filter assembly thatcomprises the secondary filter.
 29. The filter assembly of claim 28,wherein the secondary filter assembly comprises a secondary filterhousing that at least partially encloses the secondary filter and fixesthe secondary filter and the pressure-actuated valve to the end cap witha ball seat and seal plate.
 30. The filter assembly of claim 29, whereinthe secondary filter housing has a set of threads for engagement withthe threaded aperture of the end cap.
 31. The filter assembly of claim30, wherein the primary filter and the secondary filter are threadedlycoupled to each other or the secondary filter and the pressure-actuatedvalve are threadedly coupled to each other.
 32. The filter assembly ofclaim 19, wherein the tapered conduit is at an angle, with respect to ahorizontal plane of the mounting plate, of less than 90 degrees.
 33. Thefilter assembly of claim 19, wherein the primary filter is substantiallycylindrical and includes an end cap with a threaded aperture formounting thereto a secondary filter assembly that includes a secondaryfilter housing, wherein the secondary filter housing at least partiallyencloses the secondary filter and fixes the secondary filter and thepressure-actuated valve to the end cap with a ball seat and seal plate.34. The filter assembly of claim 19, wherein when the pressure-actuatedvalve is in an open position in response to a pressure differential, anyfluid that passes through the secondary filter does not pass through theprimary filter and any fluid that passes through the primary filter doesnot pass through the secondary filter.
 35. The filter assembly of claim19, wherein the mounting plate comprises a seal, whereby the seal formsa fluid tight seal between the filter assembly and the attached machine.36. The oil filter assembly of claim 19, wherein the primary filter hasa porosity of less than about 125 microns.
 37. The oil filter assemblyof claim 19, wherein the secondary filter has a porosity of greater thanabout 125 microns.
 38. The oil filter assembly of claim 19, wherein theprimary filter is sandwiched between two semi-rigid protective grids.